The B7 chord (B dominant seventh) is made from four notes:

• B (root)
• D♯ (major third)
• F♯ (perfect fifth)
• A (minor seventh)

That extra 7th note (A) gives B7 its tense, bluesy sound that wants to resolve.

The standard open B7 shape looks awkward at first, but it becomes comfortable with practice.

• Index finger: 4th string (D) at the 1st fret
• Middle finger: 5th string (A) at the 2nd fret
• Ring finger: 3rd string (G) at the 2nd fret
• Pinky finger: 1st string (high E) at the 2nd fret

Strum: from the 5th string (A) down. Avoid the low E string.

Tip: keep fingers curved so the open 2nd string (B) rings clearly.

B7 is called a dominant seventh chord. It naturally wants to resolve to an E major chord.

This is why B7 is often used before:

• E
• Em

• Muted open B string: lift fingers slightly and keep fingertips vertical.
• Buzzing high E string: press the pinky closer to the fret wire.
• Chord feels cramped: bring your thumb lower on the back of the neck.
• Low E string ringing: strum carefully from the A string down.

These chord changes appear constantly in songs:

• B7 ↔ E
• B7 ↔ A
• B7 ↔ Em
• B7 ↔ E7

1. Place fingers without strumming and check each string rings clean.
2. Strum slowly from the A string down.
3. Practice E → B7 → E slowly 10 times.
4. Increase tempo slightly while staying relaxed.
5. Finish with light, even strums.